People And The Biosphere Flashcards
(30 cards)
Abiotic components
Non-living environmental factors that have influence over the ecosystem (e.g. climate, light exposure, soil type).
Altitude
A measurement of the height of land (usually as height above sea level)
Altitudinal zonation
The presence of distinct bands of different vegetation types at different elevations, caused by the change of environmental conditions with altitude.
Biome
Also known as global-scale ecosystem; a large, distinct region of the Earth with similar climate, soil, plants and animals.
Biosphere
The living layer of Earth between the atmosphere (air) and the lithosphere (crust) where all plants and animals are found.
Biotic components
Living organisms that interact with the environment and other organisms within an ecosystem
Boserupian Theory
The theory that demands of the growing population will always be met, as humans will continue to invent new ways to increase resource supply
Carbon sequestration
The long-term capture and storage of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
Coniferous forest biome (taiga/boreal)
A biome located at high latitudes, characterised by conifer trees and a cold climate
Consumers
Organisms thatreceive energy from consuming (i.e. eating) living organisms.
Decomposers
Organisms that break down organic material and release the nutrients back into the ecosystem
Desert biome
A biome located around 30° north and south of the equator, characterised by extremely low precipitation levels and extreme daily temperature fluctuations.
Ecosystem
A natural system in which a comminuted of plants and animals interact with each other and their physical environment.
Eutrophication
The growth of algae in a body of water due to excess nutrients, leading to the depletion of oxygen in an aquatic ecosystem.
Food chain
A linear relationship showing the biotic interactions within an ecosystem, from a producer to a final consumer.
Hydrological cycle
The continuous transfer of water throughout Earth
Indigenous peoples
The earliest known settlers in an area
Industrialisation
The development of the industrial sector in a country or region
Malthusian theory
The theory that population growth increases exponentially but resource supply only increases linearly.
Mediterranean biome
A biome located 40-45° north of the equator (and in isolated spots south of the equator), characterised by mild, moist winters and hot, dry summers.
Nutrient cycling
The transfer of nutrients through an ecosystem, from the decay of organic material into the production and energy of living organisms.
Producers
Organisms that convert energy from the environment (mainly sunlight) into sugars (glucose)
Savanna biome
A biome located around 15-30° north and south of the equator, characterised by high temperatures, very dry summers and very wet winters
Temperate deciduous forest biome
A biome located around 40-50° north and south of the equator, characterised by deciduous trees that shed their leaves) and moderate precipitation
